Security cameras installed at troubled Smithfield apartment complex

Police looking for suspects in unrelated shootings at Jersey Park

SMITHFIELD – On the same day federal marshals arrested a suspect in a February shooting rampage outside Jersey Park Apartments, the Smithfield apartment complex showcased its newly upgraded security system.

On July 24, federal agents arrested Anthony Lamont Haywood, 30, of Smithfield at a relative's home in Albany, N.Y. said Smithfield Police Lt. Patrick Valdez. Haywood is one of two suspects charged in the Feb. 28 shooting spree, when 20 gunshots from three weapons were fired outside the apartment. No one was hit by gunfire.

More than 550 miles away, Smithfield police officers got their first look at Jersey Park's new surveillance cameras that day.

After the February gunshots and fatal shooting of Jersey Park resident Travis Newby on Dec. 19, 2012, Smithfield Police Chief Steve Bowman pressured Jersey Park's owners and operators, American Multifamily Co. and Liberty Management Group respectively, to beef up security.

Last week, 11 high-resolution cameras were mounted strategically outside apartment buildings, giving both officers and management clear views of the complex, said Valdez. A 12th camera that scans license plates is at the Wrenn Road entrance shared by Jersey Park and Woods Edge apartments.

"We can see every angle of the complex … and these cameras use infrared technology that works well in low light and at night," Bowman said. The new technology lets officers see videos remotely, from iPads and laptops installed in their patrol cars.

"I think the cameras will serve a deterrent to criminals … and when something happens, the videotapes will be excellent evidence in court," he said.

The Virginia Housing Development Authority funded the $17,500 bill for the surveillance cameras after the uptick in violent crime in Jersey Park over the last 18 months. Both Jersey Park and Woods Edge apartments are largely federally subsidized, through HUD's Section 8 and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's rural development tax credits and rent assistance programs respectively.

Most of the recent violent crimes last year were in Jersey Park, where security consisted of two armed guards patrolling 20 hours a week, Bowman said.

Woods Edge had lower crime rates, largely because of the 15 exterior cameras around the complex, he said. That complex installed cameras after the October 2003 fatal shooting of 8-year-old Kyron Butler, according to manager Dee Riggs. The Carrolton Elementary School student was sleeping in his bed when he was struck by a stray bullet from a gang-related firefight in the parking lot

Charges filed

Warrants have been filed charging Haywood with attempted malicious wounding, shooting into an occupied dwelling, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and reckless handling of a firearm, he said.

A second suspect, Quandrell Williams, 28, of Smithfield turned himself into police in February. He is charged with the same offenses and being held in Western Tidewater Regional Jail.

According to police reports, the 27-year-old victim told police he got into an argument while attending a party at Jersey Park on Feb. 28. As he was leaving and getting into his car, three people started shooting at him, police said. Although bullets went through his car's back and front passenger windows, the victim was not hurt, police said.

A third suspect involved in the February shooting remains at large, Valdez said.

Police have not identified the alleged gunman in the Newby's murder, Valdez said. Police believe Newby's murder was the result of a botched robbery attempt by four suspects who allegedly have gang connections with the Bloods, he said.